Boswell
Member
Prom: Consider spending some time reading reviews of Branson company - and how they address issues. I was shocked at reading the Better Business Bureau report. Maybe not so much the issues, but that Branson DIDN'T do anything meaningful to resolve the issues, even with the awful reviews.
Were I buying my first tractor, I'd go with one of the big 2. There are reasons they are, where they are, in the market place.
Sure good advice, I read through these before purchasing my Branson tractor last spring. You can also pull up reports on every brand including the "big 2". Branson is currently building a very robust and reliable tractor but, as with all tractors they are not perfect. The "big 2" have their share of problems as well and you need to look no further than this forum.
Bottom line is do your homework and buy a tractor with enough weight and horsepower to meet your needs. 25 hp with the heavy robust Branson can put limitations on certain uses because it take horsepower to move weight. Dealer support is good to have but at times overrated. The dealer network of the 'big 2" is far superior with out a doubt. I have needed no support from my dealer at this time only a few parts and that was not an issue.
If you are purchasing a tractor for the long haul and not a couple of years then you need to consider the emissions setup for a tractor over 25 hp. Branson's decision to stay simple and avoid an ECM and the myriad of sensors required support the on board computer puts them in a class of their own. Getting a check engine light in your personal auto most likely requires a trip to your mechanic, or dealer, unless you own a code reader. Getting a check engine light on a tractor (and its not a matter of "if" but "when") or worse yet having it go into limp mode is beyond inconvenient and expensive to repair once your warranty is gone.
Everyone has their reasons for selecting a brand. I have friends and family who own "the big 2". For some, their tractors have serviced them well and others its been a nightmare. You will find happy and unhappy with every brand out there.